The Browns needed support at guard, and they got it today when they traded defensive end Brian Sanford to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for John Moffitt.

The 6-foot-4, 319-pound Moffitt started six games last season, four at right guard and two at left guard. A third-round draft pick in 2011, he started the first nine games of his rookie campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Moffitt, 26, is expected to hold down the fort at right guard while Jason Pinkston (high-ankle sprain) and Shawn Lauvao (arthroscopic ankle surgery) sit out the first few games of the regular season.

"We continue to look each day of the year for any opportunity to improve our roster," Browns CEO Joe Banner said in a news release. "We’re committed to a building a team that can consistently compete in this league."

With Pinkston and Lauvao suffering injuries this month, rookie Garrett Gilkey, a seventh-round draft pick from Division II Chadron State College, and veteran backup tackle Oniel Cousins ascended to the top of the depth chart at right guard. But Moffitt is now in the driver's seat at the position.

"John’s a tough and versatile lineman who will be in the mix for us up front,” Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said in the release.

Moffitt, a native of West Haven, Conn., started 42 of his 45 career games at the University of Wisconsin, combined as a guard and center. He was a redshirt freshman during Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas’ senior year in Madison.

Sanford, 25, had been with the Browns since 2010, alternating between their practice squad and active roster. He appeared in five games in 2011 and one game last season.

The Browns made another roster move today. They terminated the contract of fullback Brock Bolen, who signed with the team in July. Bolen missed most of training camp with an injured calf.

The Browns now have 89 players on their roster, meaning they have one vacant spot.